View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1-3 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StrategyAnalysisOptions |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
